Released Feb. 23, 2012

Following last year’s City of Boston approvals of a Planned Development Area (PDA) Master Plan for the Christian Science Plaza, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, has engaged HFF, LP to serve as its agent to market to qualified investors long-term leases of two development sites on Belvidere and Dalton Streets and of the existing 26-story office building located at 177 Huntington Avenue in Boston’s vibrant Back Bay.  See graphic below for Plaza plan and site locations.

HFF is one of the nation’s leading commercial real estate firms, with an excellent track record and a unique capital markets approach to assignments of this nature. more

Updated Sept. 14, 2011

Earlier today, the Boston Zoning Commission approved the Church’s plan to add three additional buildings on the outskirts of the Christian Science Plaza.  This action follows last month’s approval by the Boston Redevelopment Authority and is the final step in the zoning changes necessary for new development. more

Updated Aug. 17, 2011

Last evening, an important milestone in the Church’s Plaza Revitalization Project was reached.  The BRA Board unanimously approved the rezoning of the Plaza to allow for the construction of three new buildings and a small pavilion – in response to the Church’s filing in May for establishment of a Planned Development Area (PDA) Master Plan for the Plaza.

The journey is not yet over, as there will be a Boston Zoning Commission meeting to review and vote on the Church’s rezoning in September. more

Released June 15, 2011

On May 17, the Church filed a Planned Development Area (PDA) Master Plan for the Christian Science Plaza. A PDA Master Plan is a zoning mechanism that must be approved by the City’s Boston Redevelopment Authority Board and the Zoning Commission at pubic hearings. It includes the basic dimensions (heights and density) and uses of proposed new buildings, as well as development concepts, planning objectives, and other background information — all previously addressed in the Plaza Revitalization Project Plan. Approval of the PDA Master Plan is needed before selection of developers takes place. more

Released March 25, 2011

Today, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced that the Christian Science Center, the world headquarters of a religion founded by Bostonian Mary Baker Eddy and featuring one of the city’s most beloved open spaces, has been honored with a designation as a Boston Landmark. The distinguished buildings and landscape of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, represent several distinguished architects whose works on the site span nearly a century. The nucleus of the site, the historic church building ensemble, provides a dynamic backdrop for the tranquility of the almost 700-foot-long Reflecting Pool.

“The Christian Science Church has been a committed steward of this heavily visited Boston site,” Mayor Menino said. “By granting local Landmark status, the City of Boston is recognizing the historic and architectural significance of this collection of buildings and landscape while helping to manage the future changes that will allow the Church to continue its mission.” more

Updated on Dec. 21, 2010

After 20 public meetings, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), appointed by Mayor Thomas M. Menino, has stated that it supports the Church’s Plaza Revitalization Plan, including environmental and streetscape improvements, and the addition of 950,000 square feet of new buildings on three locations on selected edges of the Plaza.  Their letter of support concludes, “All in all, the development should be a significant improvement for the area, and provide additional generations of Bostonians a wonderful public amenity supported by private funds.” more

The reflecting pool was built 40 years ago, and the mechanical systems and waterproofing of the garage below it are subject to frequent breakdowns, making it incapable of further repair. With the need to rebuild the reflecting pool, the Church is taking the opportunity to make some improvements, as shown in the videos below.